60 Seconds with Joy Dalzell

Monday 21 September 2026

Tell us about your role and your organisation

As an Associate Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution department at A&L Goodbody, I advise clients across a broad range of construction and property disputes. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate complex contentious matters, while also supporting them with non-contentious advisory work, delivering pragmatic and commercially focused solutions.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far

I graduated from Ulster University before completing my training contract with a large Northern Ireland law firm. Throughout my career, I have worked in Belfast, a city I have always enjoyed both professionally and personally.

From the outset of my career, I have specialised in litigation, acting for clients across a range of disputes. More recently, I have particularly enjoyed the growing emphasis on dispute resolution and alternative methods of resolving conflicts. An increasingly important part of our role is helping clients achieve practical and commercial outcomes outside the courtroom, and I find great satisfaction in guiding clients through that process.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?

One skill that has been invaluable throughout my career is the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. The art of conversation is a key part of being a solicitor, whether speaking with a client, a colleague, a witness or opposing counsel.

I believe in treating everyone with the same level of respect and interest. Building rapport, listening carefully and communicating effectively helps establish trust and often leads to better outcomes for clients and stronger professional relationships.

What advice do you have for women in your industry?

My advice to women considering a career in law, particularly in sectors such as construction, is not to be put off by the fact that it can still be a very male-dominated environment. Even now, I rarely find myself across the table from other young women, but rather than seeing that as a challenge, I use it as motivation to push myself further and demonstrate what women can achieve in the industry.

I recently became a mother, which has given me an even stronger sense of purpose. I want to set a positive example, both for women entering the profession and for the next generation, by showing that it is possible to build a successful legal career while also having a family.

While there can still be barriers for women progressing to the most senior levels of the profession, I believe that visibility matters. The more women who pursue these opportunities and support one another along the way, the easier it becomes for those coming after us.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?

One exciting development at A&L Goodbody is the complete renovation of our Belfast office. While remaining in our current location, the office is being entirely transformed to create a modern, state-of-the-art workspace for both our people and our clients.

It is a significant investment in the future of the firm, and we are all looking forward to moving into the newly renovated space and enjoying everything it has to offer.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

My biggest career inspiration has been the women who have progressed to the most senior levels of the legal profession, whether as partners in leading law firms, members of the judiciary or leaders within the wider legal community.

Working in a traditionally male-dominated area of law, I have always admired those who have broken down barriers and demonstrated that women can thrive at the highest levels of the profession. They have reinforced my belief that greater representation matters, and they motivate me to continue developing my own career while helping to pave the way for the next generation of women entering the profession.

What's the best way for our members to connect with you?

Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or contact me through the A&L Goodbody directory. I am always happy to chat, share experiences and connect with new people.

Monday 21 September 2026